Sunday's Fado

If you’re one of those persons who just hates Sundays - one must never depreciate the art of procrastination – and if you happen to be in Lisbon, I might have the solution for you.

Hop on the tram 28^th and hop off at Graça, walk a few steps forward and you’ll arrive at Tasca do Jaime.  Every weekend afternoon they play ‘fado* vadio’, which means that anyone can get up and sing. The result is always unique and unpredictable, the fun is guaranteed and the owners will make anyone feel at home. That’s how we felt last Sunday – 16 of us from all over the world – in a journey that made us lose track of time. I tried to draw the guy on the Portuguese guitar, but I swear he looks better.

Oh and you’ll be forced to try the magnificent ‘pasteis de bacalhau’ (codfish pastel), the specialty of the place. It's heaven.

If you already have plans for the afternoon, fear not. At night, you can visit Tasca Bela, in Alfama. Although the mood is different, it’s also quite an experience. Even if you can’t understand the lyrics, they’ll make your heart beat faster. If you happen to be in Lisbon, or staying with us at the Poets Hostel, give it a try. I can assure it will be worth it.

*fado - Portuguese folk song, recently proclaimed Intangible world heritage by UNESCO;

Nuno Dias